Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease is a broad term that encompasses any disease that causes the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time. There are many kinds of liver diseases, some of which are caused by viruses, like Hepatitis C. Others can be caused from longtime drug and alcohol use or even poison. If the liver forms scar tissue because of an illness, it’s called cirrhosis. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, can be one sign of liver disease. Cancer can also affect the liver.

The liver is the largest organ inside your body, not to mention one of the most important. Without the liver, the body can’t function. The liver converts food into energy and metabolizes alcohol and poisons from the blood. Your liver also makes bile, a yellowish-green liquid that helps with digestion. Chronic liver disease needs to be evaluated promptly to determine if a specific treatment is necessary.